Description
Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Muddy Buddies blend classic dessert flavors into an irresistible snack mix. Powdered sugar-coated cereal chunks dance with strawberry cream notes, creating a playful treat perfect for summer gatherings and quick indulgences.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortcake Base:
- 4 cups corn chex cereal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Strawberry Coating:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Additional Mix-Ins:
- 1/3 cup dried strawberry pieces
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather and measure all ingredients, ensuring precise quantities for optimal flavor balance.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently pour corn chex cereal, creating an even layer as the foundation for the muddy buddies.
- Melt white chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence.
- Drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the chex cereal, carefully folding and coating each piece to ensure complete coverage.
- Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry powder evenly across the chocolate-coated cereal, creating a vibrant pink hue and intense fruity flavor profile.
- Dust powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs over the mixture, gently tossing to create a delicate, crumbly exterior.
- Fold in dried strawberry pieces, distributing them throughout the coated cereal for additional texture and concentrated strawberry bursts.
- Drizzle strawberry jam in thin streams, allowing it to create delightful swirls and pockets of fruity intensity.
- Transfer the muddy buddies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to prevent clumping.
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set the coating and allow flavors to meld together, creating a crisp, decadent treat.
- Break into bite-sized clusters and serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Transform this treat into a gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour for added texture and crunch.
- Control sweetness levels by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar and choosing lower-sugar white chocolate chips for a more balanced flavor profile.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios, adding protein and healthy fats while creating additional textural complexity.
- Store muddy buddies in an airtight container with a small piece of bread to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption, ensuring optimal texture for several days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg